You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
libbysbookshelf's Reviews (745)
MINOR DETAIL by ADANIA SHIBLI translated by ELIZABETH JAQUETTE
Don’t you just love a @fitzcarraldoeditions book?!
This is number 2 for #womenintranslationmonth and it was a bloody good one. I’ve included a photo of the blurb because it’s quite difficult for me to summarise.
The main things that stand out in this book and set it apart from others are the details and the tension! Good God, was it tense!
It’s set in Palestine/Israel and gives a good bit of history about the development of the Israeli settlement after WWII. It also jumps forward in time showing how the Palestinian people are now subject to harsh rules and risk their lives just by driving far from home.
I definitely sighed a breath of relief upon finishing this book, but there is no doubt that it’s a work of art.
If you have patience and want to learn more about Israel and Palestine, they pick up this book ASAP.
#fitzcarraldo #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksta #bookrecommendations #fitzcarraldoeditions #witmonth #womenintranslation #palestinianliterature #bookreview #bookreviewer
Don’t you just love a @fitzcarraldoeditions book?!
This is number 2 for #womenintranslationmonth and it was a bloody good one. I’ve included a photo of the blurb because it’s quite difficult for me to summarise.
The main things that stand out in this book and set it apart from others are the details and the tension! Good God, was it tense!
It’s set in Palestine/Israel and gives a good bit of history about the development of the Israeli settlement after WWII. It also jumps forward in time showing how the Palestinian people are now subject to harsh rules and risk their lives just by driving far from home.
I definitely sighed a breath of relief upon finishing this book, but there is no doubt that it’s a work of art.
If you have patience and want to learn more about Israel and Palestine, they pick up this book ASAP.
#fitzcarraldo #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksta #bookrecommendations #fitzcarraldoeditions #witmonth #womenintranslation #palestinianliterature #bookreview #bookreviewer
ANNE MARIE THE BEAUTY by YASMINA REZA translated by ALISON L STRAYER
[AD- PR product] thanks @turnaround_books
Kicking off Women in Translation Month with this little beauty.
The novella is about an aged, retired actor, who retells anecdotes about her life in the theatre. Told entirely in her voice as if she were being interviewed, the prose is conversational and fluid.
It’s translated from French and I consciously tried to imagine the accent in my head as I was reading. I pictured an old, but glamorous woman, sitting in an arm chair, smoking, and sharing nuggets about her life. She spoke about her mother and father, her husband and child, her friends and their kids. It felt real, but also it felt fictionalised and I liked that about it. It could quite easily be performed as a one-woman show.
Touches of comedy, drama and a pinch of heartache, this novella creates a moment in time.
#annemariethebeauty #yasminareza #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrec #womenintranslation #womenintranslationmonth
[AD- PR product] thanks @turnaround_books
Kicking off Women in Translation Month with this little beauty.
The novella is about an aged, retired actor, who retells anecdotes about her life in the theatre. Told entirely in her voice as if she were being interviewed, the prose is conversational and fluid.
It’s translated from French and I consciously tried to imagine the accent in my head as I was reading. I pictured an old, but glamorous woman, sitting in an arm chair, smoking, and sharing nuggets about her life. She spoke about her mother and father, her husband and child, her friends and their kids. It felt real, but also it felt fictionalised and I liked that about it. It could quite easily be performed as a one-woman show.
Touches of comedy, drama and a pinch of heartache, this novella creates a moment in time.
#annemariethebeauty #yasminareza #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrec #womenintranslation #womenintranslationmonth
BUILD YOUR HOUSE AROUND MY BODY by VIOLET KUPERSMITH
Firstly, this is ad-PR product from @tandemcollectiveuk and @oneworldpublications and I must thank them both for the amazing opportunity to read this book. It was a hypnotic experience!
The story twists and turns through characters and times and places like a snake slithering through a forest. One moment we’re in Saigon in 2011, following Winnie; the emotionally drained American, next we’re in Ia Kare Highlands in the 40s, following French soldiers. And there are many more times and perspectives.
The story centres Winnie, who has disappeared, and the job of the reader is to piece together the events that have led to this disappearance and the motivation for it.
A truly fascinating and unique reading experience. From the blurb I learnt that it used some Vietnamese folk lore, which made me love it even more because I do enjoy a sprinkling of magic in my novels.
I really think this book deserves to be huge, and I think there are many Bookstagrammers out there who haven’t discovered this yet, so go to your local bookshop today and buy this book because I think you’re going to love this genre bending novel.
Possible genres:
- myth retelling
- magical realism
- historical fiction
- coming of age
- thriller
- horror
- travel
- post-colonial
- mystery
#buildyourhousearoundmybody #byhambreadalong @vmkupersmith #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookreviews
Firstly, this is ad-PR product from @tandemcollectiveuk and @oneworldpublications and I must thank them both for the amazing opportunity to read this book. It was a hypnotic experience!
The story twists and turns through characters and times and places like a snake slithering through a forest. One moment we’re in Saigon in 2011, following Winnie; the emotionally drained American, next we’re in Ia Kare Highlands in the 40s, following French soldiers. And there are many more times and perspectives.
The story centres Winnie, who has disappeared, and the job of the reader is to piece together the events that have led to this disappearance and the motivation for it.
A truly fascinating and unique reading experience. From the blurb I learnt that it used some Vietnamese folk lore, which made me love it even more because I do enjoy a sprinkling of magic in my novels.
I really think this book deserves to be huge, and I think there are many Bookstagrammers out there who haven’t discovered this yet, so go to your local bookshop today and buy this book because I think you’re going to love this genre bending novel.
Possible genres:
- myth retelling
- magical realism
- historical fiction
- coming of age
- thriller
- horror
- travel
- post-colonial
- mystery
#buildyourhousearoundmybody #byhambreadalong @vmkupersmith #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookreviews
INFINITE COUNTRY by PATRICIA ENGEL
I owe a huge thanks to @what_i_have_read for recommending this book. I trust her so much so I went to buy the book almost the same day she suggested I might like it! And she was 💯 right!
This book is about the immigrant experience. From Colombia to North America, from past to present, from the points of view of a whole family. The story reminds us of the importance of family, but also shines a light on the horrific experience that undocumented people face in America today - it’s harrowing to say the least.
North America is not presented in a great light: school shootings, racism, xenophobia, rape, bullying, taking advantage of people less fortunate to name a few things. This was an interesting take because normally the west is presented as this beacon of light and hope with more opportunities and less violence, but can we really say that much is still (or was ever) true about America?
Really thought-provoking and extremely emotive. A cast of flawed and beautiful characters
If you liked this, then you’ll probably also like Of Women and Salt (and vice versa).
Loved it.
#book #infinitecountry #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #patriciaengel #booklover #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer
I owe a huge thanks to @what_i_have_read for recommending this book. I trust her so much so I went to buy the book almost the same day she suggested I might like it! And she was 💯 right!
This book is about the immigrant experience. From Colombia to North America, from past to present, from the points of view of a whole family. The story reminds us of the importance of family, but also shines a light on the horrific experience that undocumented people face in America today - it’s harrowing to say the least.
North America is not presented in a great light: school shootings, racism, xenophobia, rape, bullying, taking advantage of people less fortunate to name a few things. This was an interesting take because normally the west is presented as this beacon of light and hope with more opportunities and less violence, but can we really say that much is still (or was ever) true about America?
Really thought-provoking and extremely emotive. A cast of flawed and beautiful characters
If you liked this, then you’ll probably also like Of Women and Salt (and vice versa).
Loved it.
#book #infinitecountry #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #patriciaengel #booklover #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer
A SUITABLE LOVE OBJECT by REBECCA SWIFT
Ad/PR - first of all, I owe a big thanks to the lovely people @valleypressuk for sending this my way after I expressed a love of a few of their previous publications. Seriously guys, check them out: they publish very understated and underrated fiction and poetry and I’m always enthralled with their choices.
This collection is pure professional. It has received rave reviews from Ondaatje and Shamsie, among others, which tells you the level of talent we’re dealing with.
Some of the themes did not vibe with me, but I appreciated the control of language and gorgeous sound imagery throughout.
Mostly I enjoyed the poems about grief and loss and love.
Check it out, if you are a fan of poetry.
#poetry #poem #poetrycollection #valleypressuk #asuitableloveobject #rebeccaswift #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendation #bookreview
Ad/PR - first of all, I owe a big thanks to the lovely people @valleypressuk for sending this my way after I expressed a love of a few of their previous publications. Seriously guys, check them out: they publish very understated and underrated fiction and poetry and I’m always enthralled with their choices.
This collection is pure professional. It has received rave reviews from Ondaatje and Shamsie, among others, which tells you the level of talent we’re dealing with.
Some of the themes did not vibe with me, but I appreciated the control of language and gorgeous sound imagery throughout.
Mostly I enjoyed the poems about grief and loss and love.
Check it out, if you are a fan of poetry.
#poetry #poem #poetrycollection #valleypressuk #asuitableloveobject #rebeccaswift #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendation #bookreview
ANIMAL by LISA TADDEO
Another one of my most highly anticipated novels of the year. I adored Three Women and I was excited to see what else Taddeo had to offer, especially in terms of fiction.
This book was everything I wanted and more. It was dark and dirty and brutally honest. I appreciated the nods to Italy and Italian culture as — like the protagonist — I also have an Italian mother.
I don’t know what to say about the plot because I am protective of this novel and don’t want to give anything away.
Although I adored this novel, I won’t be recommending it to everyone because I recognise that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you liked Milk Fed and Boy Parts and The Harpy and My Year of Rest and Relaxation, then you’ll probably like this.
Rubbish review = amazing book. Why is that always the case?!
#animalbylisataddeo #lisataddeoanimal #lisataddeo #book #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
Another one of my most highly anticipated novels of the year. I adored Three Women and I was excited to see what else Taddeo had to offer, especially in terms of fiction.
This book was everything I wanted and more. It was dark and dirty and brutally honest. I appreciated the nods to Italy and Italian culture as — like the protagonist — I also have an Italian mother.
I don’t know what to say about the plot because I am protective of this novel and don’t want to give anything away.
Although I adored this novel, I won’t be recommending it to everyone because I recognise that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you liked Milk Fed and Boy Parts and The Harpy and My Year of Rest and Relaxation, then you’ll probably like this.
Rubbish review = amazing book. Why is that always the case?!
#animalbylisataddeo #lisataddeoanimal #lisataddeo #book #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
SUMMERWATER by SARAH MOSS
My second Moss novel and I enjoyed it just as much as my first (Ghost Wall).
Told from the perspectives of different people staying in a holiday park in Scotland over the course of one wet, cold summer’s day. We hear from busy parents, young couples, old couples, and children. Mostly they are miserable to be in these tiny wooden huts in the rain for the summer holiday and throughout the entire novel there is a sense of unease as we hear about the characters’ deepest thoughts and flaws.
I found this extremely entertaining; I was laughing one minute and grimacing the next. I was constantly trying to guess what was going to happen as we were given so many different leads, which all felt like foreshadowing. It made quite a few comments on society in quite an Ali Smithian way and I loved that aspect.
Really, I loved this entire book. It’s easy to read in one sitting - although, I did nap in between (finally got a fan and I feel human again after being able to sleep in the cool!). I highly recommend this book to anyone.
#summerwater #sarahmoss #book #hardbackbook #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer #books
My second Moss novel and I enjoyed it just as much as my first (Ghost Wall).
Told from the perspectives of different people staying in a holiday park in Scotland over the course of one wet, cold summer’s day. We hear from busy parents, young couples, old couples, and children. Mostly they are miserable to be in these tiny wooden huts in the rain for the summer holiday and throughout the entire novel there is a sense of unease as we hear about the characters’ deepest thoughts and flaws.
I found this extremely entertaining; I was laughing one minute and grimacing the next. I was constantly trying to guess what was going to happen as we were given so many different leads, which all felt like foreshadowing. It made quite a few comments on society in quite an Ali Smithian way and I loved that aspect.
Really, I loved this entire book. It’s easy to read in one sitting - although, I did nap in between (finally got a fan and I feel human again after being able to sleep in the cool!). I highly recommend this book to anyone.
#summerwater #sarahmoss #book #hardbackbook #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer #books
WHEREABOUTS by JHUMPA LAHIRI
My first Lahiri experience and this novel was written first in Italian, then translated into English, even though Lahiri herself is of Indian descent. She is an American born in London. So it’s clear to see why her writing has such a focus on sense of place and culture.
Reading this book about an anonymous Italian city, made me see the trattorias and cafes and piazzas so clearly in my imagination.
I also think this book is about solitude and its pros and cons. Of course, some love being alone for the freedom of choice it affords, while others couldn’t stand the loneliness. Lahiri explores both of these feelings within one character; a woman in her forties who lives alone, but is constantly reminded that women her age are usually married with kids.
I read this from start to finish this afternoon, in the scorching heat of Bath in July and I couldn’t think of a better way to have spent my time.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #book #whereabouts #jhumpalahiri #bookrecommendations #bookreview
My first Lahiri experience and this novel was written first in Italian, then translated into English, even though Lahiri herself is of Indian descent. She is an American born in London. So it’s clear to see why her writing has such a focus on sense of place and culture.
Reading this book about an anonymous Italian city, made me see the trattorias and cafes and piazzas so clearly in my imagination.
I also think this book is about solitude and its pros and cons. Of course, some love being alone for the freedom of choice it affords, while others couldn’t stand the loneliness. Lahiri explores both of these feelings within one character; a woman in her forties who lives alone, but is constantly reminded that women her age are usually married with kids.
I read this from start to finish this afternoon, in the scorching heat of Bath in July and I couldn’t think of a better way to have spent my time.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #book #whereabouts #jhumpalahiri #bookrecommendations #bookreview
ASSEMBLY by NATASHA BROWN
What a beautifully lyrical book. Brown is writing about racism in the U.K. workplace and among well-meaning ‘liberals’ with a touch of poetry and a lot of emotion.
Books written by millennials are always particularly poignant for me because I feel that sense of connection that comes from living through same the historical events.
Brown was able to articulate clearly the legacy of racism that this country leaves behind (and in front) in ways that others over complicate. She explored the idea that Black Britains were paying taxes that went towards reparations for slave owners - a prospect that is so sickening, one can hardly believe it’s true.
The plot (who needs a plot anyway?) was centred around the protagonist’s boyfriend’s parents’ imminent anniversary party in their grand mansion in the countryside. In the build up to this party, Brown explores the protagonist’s life so far and the decisions she has made (or not made) that led to this point. And there are always choices to be made…
Loved this. Thought it was brilliant. Thanks to @bookwormellie for hyping it and reminding me to read it.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer #bookreviews #booksbooksbooks
What a beautifully lyrical book. Brown is writing about racism in the U.K. workplace and among well-meaning ‘liberals’ with a touch of poetry and a lot of emotion.
Books written by millennials are always particularly poignant for me because I feel that sense of connection that comes from living through same the historical events.
Brown was able to articulate clearly the legacy of racism that this country leaves behind (and in front) in ways that others over complicate. She explored the idea that Black Britains were paying taxes that went towards reparations for slave owners - a prospect that is so sickening, one can hardly believe it’s true.
The plot (who needs a plot anyway?) was centred around the protagonist’s boyfriend’s parents’ imminent anniversary party in their grand mansion in the countryside. In the build up to this party, Brown explores the protagonist’s life so far and the decisions she has made (or not made) that led to this point. And there are always choices to be made…
Loved this. Thought it was brilliant. Thanks to @bookwormellie for hyping it and reminding me to read it.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer #bookreviews #booksbooksbooks
THE WOLF DEN by ELODIE HARPER
I think it was around Christmas time when I heard about this book’s 2021 release and I read the blurb and knew I would love it.
Set in a whorehouse in ancient Pompeii, the novel follows Amara who was sold into slavery by her own mother. A long way from her home in Greece, she must try everything to get out of this awful situation. Luckily, she’s extremely clever and tenacious. She’s also a loving friend to her fellow slaves.
I loved Amara, and I thought all of the characters were really well done. There were quite a lot of characters and I forgot who was who at times, but I don’t think that affected the reading experience badly.
I recently learned that there will be a sequel to this and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I don’t usually read series of books but I could read about these characters and this setting all day every day!
This book is written in a similar style to the Ancient Greek myth retellings, so if you loved them, you’ll love this.
What’s a book that has lived up to your expectations, despite the hype?
#book #thewolfden #elodieharper #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #booklover
I think it was around Christmas time when I heard about this book’s 2021 release and I read the blurb and knew I would love it.
Set in a whorehouse in ancient Pompeii, the novel follows Amara who was sold into slavery by her own mother. A long way from her home in Greece, she must try everything to get out of this awful situation. Luckily, she’s extremely clever and tenacious. She’s also a loving friend to her fellow slaves.
I loved Amara, and I thought all of the characters were really well done. There were quite a lot of characters and I forgot who was who at times, but I don’t think that affected the reading experience badly.
I recently learned that there will be a sequel to this and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I don’t usually read series of books but I could read about these characters and this setting all day every day!
This book is written in a similar style to the Ancient Greek myth retellings, so if you loved them, you’ll love this.
What’s a book that has lived up to your expectations, despite the hype?
#book #thewolfden #elodieharper #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #booklover